Derby County still don't know the extent of Matt Clarke's injury after the centre-back was forced off during the defeat to East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest last time out.

The on-loan defender was on the end of a very nasty challenge from Ryan Yates, with the Reds midfielder fortunate to stay on the pitch.

Clarke tried to run it off but he couldn't and his substitution didn't help the Rams at all who looked more disjointed as Phillip Cocu had to tweak a few things.

It was initially confirmed that the left-footer had picked up a knee injury and The Athletic reporter Ryan Conway gave the latest on the problem, although worryingly he revealed that Derby still need time to assess the injury.

"Still no timetable for a return to action for Matt Clarke after he sustained a knee injury against Forest. When asked at the time if Clarke was ok Cocu simply said "no". The hope is that the picture is clearer by next week."

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With Richard Keogh's well-documented sacking, it's an area of the pitch that Derby are particularly short in ahead of a home game against Preston after the international break.

The verdict

This is a real concern for Derby and most will feel the fact they don't know the extent of the injury is a bad thing.

Of course, it may not be the case but if it was just a knock then you would've expected them to have confirmed that by now.

Either way, everyone connected to the club will be hoping that Clarke is back as soon as possible because he is an important player when you consider the lack of cover in defence and he had started to show some promise recently.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.